Choosing the right SSD controller can make all the difference when expanding storage, upgrading performance, or building a high-speed data setup. Whether you’re adding SATA ports to an older PC, cloning drives without a computer, or connecting NVMe SSDs via USB, the right controller ensures speed, compatibility, and reliability. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the best what to buy SSD controller options on the market—covering expansion cards, docking stations, adapters, and cooling solutions—so you can pick with confidence.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 7 What To Buy Ssd Controller Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. PCIe to SATA III 6Gbps Controller Card with 2 Ports for SSD and HDD
This PCIe to SATA III controller card is a reliable solution for adding two high-speed SATA ports to your desktop. Built with the JMICRON JMB582 chipset and a heatsink for thermal management, it delivers stable performance for both SSDs and HDDs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Supports PCIe 3.0 x1 and backward compatible with PCIe 2.0
- ✓ Plug-and-play installation with hot-swap support
- ✓ Includes heatsink for improved heat dissipation
- ✓ Delivers up to 500–550 MB/s transfer speeds
Why We Recommend It
We picked this as our Best Choice because it balances performance, stability, and value. The JMICRON chipset is known for reliability, and the included heatsink prevents throttling during extended use—perfect for users expanding storage on older systems.
Best For
Desktop users needing extra SATA ports without replacing their motherboard. Ideal for adding SSDs or HDDs to older PCs with limited onboard SATA connectors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stable JMICRON chipset with proven performance
- Easy plug-and-play setup—no drivers needed
- Heatsink included for thermal protection
- Affordable price for a 2-port expansion
Cons:
- Only 2 ports—may not be enough for large storage arrays
- Limited to PCIe x1 bandwidth (shared across ports)
Customer Reviews
“The ACTIMED PCIe 16-Port SATA Card is an excellent solution for expanding storage on your system, especially for setups requiring multiple SATA devices. High Capacity: With 16 SATA 3.0 ports, this card is perfect for managing large-scale storage setups like RAID arrays or NAS configurations. Performance…”
“New motherboard sporting a few less SATA ports than required. Had a few drives with ‘misc’ data, and others with Steam/Ubisoft games. This card worked flawlessly, no setup no drivers, just works.”
2. M.2 NVMe and SATA SSD Docking Station with USB-C and Offline Cloning
This versatile docking station supports both M.2 NVMe and 2.5″/3.5″ SATA drives via USB-C, with a standout feature: offline cloning. No computer needed—just plug in two drives and clone directly.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Bidirectional cloning between NVMe and SATA drives
- ✓ Stand-alone cloning without software or PC
- ✓ Tool-free installation for all supported drive types
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 with up to 10Gbps speeds
Why We Recommend It
We named this our Editor’s Choice because it’s incredibly versatile and user-friendly. Whether you’re backing up a system drive or migrating data between SSDs, the offline cloning feature saves time and hassle.
Best For
Tech-savvy users, IT professionals, or anyone who frequently upgrades or clones SSDs. Great for data migration, backups, or testing drives without opening a PC.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offline cloning is fast and computer-free
- Supports both NVMe and SATA in one unit
- Sturdy build with tool-free design
- USB-C ensures wide compatibility
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than basic docks
- No UASP support mentioned (may limit peak speeds)
Customer Reviews
“Sturdy construction and pretty much just hook up and go functionality with no need for any software downloads. It’s solid and super simple to use. Main use was as a docking station with the added benefit of cloning. I use 2.5in ssds but also have an extra nvme so if I gotta clone to a sata ssd to a…”
“Sturdy construction and pretty much just hook up and go functionality with no need for any software downloads. It’s solid and super simple to use. Main use was as a docking station with the added benefit of cloning. I use 2.5in ssds but also have an extra nvme so if I gotta clone to a sata ssd to a…”
3. USB 3.2 to SATA U.2 SSD Adapter Cable with 12V Power Supply
This adapter cable lets you connect 2.5″, 3.5″, or U.2 SSDs/HDDs directly to your computer via USB 3.2. It includes a 12V power supply, ensuring even power-hungry drives get enough juice.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Supports 2.5″, 3.5″, and U.2 drives (SFF-8639)
- ✓ USB 3.2 Gen 2 with up to 10Gbps bandwidth
- ✓ Includes 12V power adapter for 3.5″ and U.2 drives
- ✓ Plug-and-play with TRIM and UASP support
Why We Recommend It
We chose this as the Best Budget pick because it delivers premium compatibility at a low price. It’s perfect for accessing old drives or testing U.2 SSDs without installing them internally.
Best For
Users who need occasional access to multiple drive types, especially 3.5″ HDDs or enterprise U.2 SSDs. Great for data recovery, diagnostics, or temporary storage expansion.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Works with a wide range of drive types
- Includes reliable 12V power supply
- Fast USB 3.2 speeds with UASP acceleration
- No tools or assembly required
Cons:
- Cable design may be less durable than enclosures
- Not ideal for permanent installations
Customer Reviews
“This Sabrent SATA-to-USB adapter worked perfectly right out of the box. It recognized my old 2.5” SSD instantly, and the transfer speeds were fast and smooth. The plug-and-play design made the whole process quick and hassle-free. It feels well-built for the price and is extremely convenient for back…”
“This is a great little adapter! I bought this to try to read a 3.5″ external HDD for which the enclosure had gone bad. At first I couldn’t see the partitions on the drive, but it turned out the partition table was actually corrupted. I was able to read the files with GetDataBack software. It read…”
4. PCIE 3.0 to 4-Ports 6Gbps SATA III Expansion Card for Desktop PCs, ASMedia ASM1064 None-Raid PCIE…
This PCIe expansion card adds four SATA III ports using the stable ASMedia ASM1064 chipset. It’s non-RAID, so it’s perfect for AHCI mode and software-based storage solutions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 4x SATA III ports at 6Gbps each
- ✓ ASMedia ASM1064 chipset (known for stability)
- ✓ PCIe 3.0 x1 interface with 8Gbps total bandwidth
- ✓ Backward compatible with SATA I/II
Why We Recommend It
This card is ideal for users who need more SATA ports without RAID overhead. The ASMedia chipset is well-regarded for compatibility and low CPU usage.
Best For
Home servers, media centers, or workstations needing extra SATA connectivity. Great for software RAID or standalone drive expansion.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliable ASMedia chipset
- Four ports offer excellent expansion
- Works with older and newer systems
- No RAID complexity—simple AHCI mode
Cons:
- PCIe x1 limits total bandwidth under heavy load
- No hardware RAID support
Customer Reviews
“This card works exactly as it should, without any fuss (far less problematic than the Marvell based cards I’ve used). However there are a few things to know (this is for the x1, 4 port card): If you are using this to add SATA III 6Gbs ports to an older system, such as one based on x58 or x79, to maxi…”
“Although the card says that it isn’t a raid card, it means it’s not a card with hardware raid – You can definitely use this for software raid. I did a first experiment on Windows 10 using storage spaces and disk manager to create a RAID 10 array using 6x 6tb hdds. Initially I had issues with transfer…”
5. PCIe 3.0 to 2-Port SATA III Controller Card for SSD and HDD
A compact and affordable PCIe card that adds two SATA III ports to any desktop with a spare PCIe slot. Includes low-profile bracket and SATA cables for easy installation.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 2x SATA III ports with 6Gbps support
- ✓ Includes low-profile bracket and SATA cables
- ✓ Supports AHCI and IDE modes
- ✓ Backward compatible with SATA I/II
Why We Recommend It
This is a no-frills, reliable option for basic SATA expansion. It’s perfect if you only need a couple of extra ports and want to avoid driver issues.
Best For
Casual users upgrading older desktops or adding SSDs/HDDs without replacing the motherboard.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Includes everything needed for installation
- Simple plug-and-play setup
- Affordable and widely compatible
Cons:
- Only 2 ports limit scalability
- No heatsink or advanced thermal management
Customer Reviews
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“Simple and effective. I used this to add an SSD to my old gaming PC. Worked right out of the box with no issues.”
6. M.2 SSD Heatsink 2280 with Thermal Pad for NVMe and SATA SSDs
This aluminum heatsink fits M.2 2280 SSDs and includes a thermal pad to reduce heat buildup. It’s compatible with NVMe and SATA M.2 drives and works in desktops, laptops, and even PS5.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Fits M.2 2280 NVMe and SATA SSDs
- ✓ Includes nano silicone thermal pad
- ✓ Easy installation with rubber band or clip
- ✓ Compatible with PS5, laptops, and desktops
Why We Recommend It
While not a traditional controller, this heatsink helps maintain SSD performance by preventing thermal throttling—especially important for high-speed NVMe drives under load.
Best For
Gamers, content creators, or anyone running NVMe SSDs in tight spaces where heat buildup is a concern.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable thermal solution
- Works with PS5 and most M.2 slots
- No tools required for installation
Cons:
- No instructions included
- May interfere with large CPU coolers in some cases
Customer Reviews
“This is a good product, but it does not come with instructions. Perhaps they are online – but I just ‘figured it out.’ The install is pretty straightforward. Be sure to adhere the thermal pad/heatsinks with enough clearance for the NVMe SSD connector to fully seat. Also, there are clear bands in…”
“This is a good product, but it does not come with instructions. Perhaps they are online – but I just ‘figured it out.’ The install is pretty straightforward. Be sure to adhere the thermal pad/heatsinks with enough clearance for the NVMe SSD connector to fully seat. Also, there are clear bands in…”
7. 10Gbps PCIE USB C Card with Internal Type E to Type C and 19 Pin USB Header Expansion Card, PCI E…
This PCIe card adds high-speed USB-C connectivity to your desktop, including internal headers for front-panel USB-C ports. Based on the ASM3142 chipset, it supports up to 10Gbps transfer speeds.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Adds 4 external USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10Gbps)
- ✓ Includes internal Type E to Type C and 19-pin headers
- ✓ ASM3142 chipset for reliable performance
- ✓ Compatible with Windows and macOS
Why We Recommend It
This card is essential for modern builds needing fast USB-C connectivity. It’s great for connecting external SSDs, docks, or high-speed peripherals.
Best For
PC builders upgrading older systems or adding front-panel USB-C support. Ideal for users with NVMe SSD enclosures or high-speed external drives.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-speed 10Gbps USB-C support
- Includes internal headers for case front panels
- Stable ASMedia chipset
Cons:
- Driver installation can be tricky on some systems
- Requires PCIe x4 or larger slot
Customer Reviews
“Final update: It DOES work with Windows 11, and I am now getting video and photo transfer speeds from SD as if they were plugged into the motherboard I/O ports. The supplied disk would not install the drivers but Windows 11 Pro was able to install drivers after several attempts on a new PC build. I…”
“I am new to pc modification/building, so I was a bit ignorant and ran into some trouble with the install. BIOS was up to date and manually went to install the driver as a redundancy, but still had issues. Quick Solution: If you can’t get past POST after installing the card, but your PC works normally…”
Complete Buying Guide for What To Buy SSD Controller
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing an SSD controller, consider compatibility (PCIe version, SATA/NVMe support), port count, chipset reliability (ASMedia, JMICRON), and whether you need features like cloning, UASP, or offline operation. Always check your motherboard’s available slots and power supply capacity.
Budget Planning
Prices range from under $20 for basic SATA expansion cards to $80+ for advanced docking stations with cloning. Set a budget based on your needs: casual users can opt for budget adapters, while professionals may invest in multi-port or high-speed solutions.
Final Thoughts
The best what to buy SSD controller depends on your use case. For internal expansion, go with a PCIe SATA card. For flexibility and cloning, choose a USB docking station. And don’t forget cooling—high-performance SSDs benefit from heatsinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use an SSD controller card with any motherboard?
A: Most PCIe-based SSD controller cards are compatible with any motherboard that has an available PCIe slot. Just ensure the slot version (e.g., PCIe 3.0) matches or exceeds the card’s requirements.
Q: Do I need drivers for SSD controller cards?
A: Many modern cards are plug-and-play on Windows 10/11 and macOS. However, some may require driver installation—check the manufacturer’s website for the latest versions.
Q: What’s the difference between SATA and NVMe controllers?
A: SATA controllers connect traditional 2.5″ or 3.5″ drives at up to 6Gbps. NVMe controllers use PCIe lanes for much faster speeds (up to 3500+ MB/s). Some devices support both.
Q: Can I use a USB SSD dock for cloning?
A: Yes! Many docks, like our Editor’s Choice, support offline cloning between drives without a computer.
Q: Do I need a heatsink for my M.2 SSD?
A: Not always, but recommended for sustained workloads (gaming, video editing). Heatsinks prevent thermal throttling and maintain peak performance.
Ready to upgrade your storage setup? Whether you’re expanding ports, cloning drives, or boosting connectivity, one of these top-rated SSD controllers will get the job done. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal on Amazon today!